The Montrose High School Mountain Biking team is halfway through their 2021 season, the most recent race being in Snowmass Colorado on September 25-26 where top rider Ciana Beller placed third in the second race.

Mountain biking is an individual sport where each rider works at their own pace to progress in both speed and difficulty of the course. One unique aspect of the team, is that members may practice and work to improve, but not all members compete in the races.

“One of the main concepts that’s so cool about biking, you are always using your brain and your body to help you race and ride faster,” Beller said. 

The next race will be October 9-10 in Eagle Colorado, and then riders who qualify for State Championships will be October23-24 in Durango. In order to qualify for State, riders have to log 

“My expectations for the season are to race in all four races this season and be able to ride with new people on the team,” senior biker Abby Hauptmann said. 

The mountain biking team is always open for new members, and not all members of the team have to race, each person goes at their own pace and own ability and comfort level. 

Mountain biking is a life-long sport, so the coach Tony Cimaglio encourages any interested students to give it a try. There are even loner bikes available for students who are unsure about spending money to participate.

“We want to teach love of being outside and love of mountain biking,“ coach Debra Bierman said. 

The coaches provide all the possible needs and knowledge for new members to the mountain biking team, their ultimate goal is to encourage kids to develop a love for a sport and for spending time outside.